Description
The site comprises two features; a ditch and earth bank and a stone wall associated with the control of stock animals and dating to the post medieval period. The site had previously been identified as a later prehistoric fort but recent interpretation does not support this. The site is located along the western extent of Creag an Fhithich, a natural hill within Dounie Wood which overlooks the Dornoch Firth, at approximately 150m above sea level.
The ditch is slight with a sharp profile and measures 1.5m in breadth and 0.5m in depth; immediately to the east is the accompanying turf and stone bank 1.7m wide and 0.6m high. The ditch and bank sit at the base of the slope and run from the southeastern edge of Creag an Fhithich northwest for 100m where they curve slightly around the hill. There are two breaks in the ditch, the larger due to bedrock close to the surface and the smaller, at the southern end, likely caused by animals. Beyond these features a loosely constructed stone wall briefly climbs over the crest of the hill to the north before, and in places provides revetment for a bank - together they reach a maximum of 2.5m wide and 0.4m high. The wall runs roughly northwest-southeast for approximately 90m, the majority of this below the crest of the hill, with no obvious breaks.
Statement of National Importance
The site does not meet the criterion of national importance for the following reasons:
a. The monument is not a fort dating to the Iron Age but a ditch, bank and wall constructed for the purpose of stock control. These features do not make a significant contribution to our understanding or appreciation of the past.
b. The monument does not retain structural, architectural, decorative or other physical attributes which make a significant contribution to our understanding or appreciation of the past. The ditch and bank are slight, with the bank primarily a product of the ditch digging. The wall is not substantial and is loosely constructed.
c. The monument is not a rare example of stock control features. Stock control features of this type are very common and can be found in upland areas across Scotland.
d. The monument is not a particularly good example of stock control features. The nature of their construction suggests they were built rapidly and subsequently received little maintenance. While this may be representative of many such features, its form and survival are not of note.
e. The monument does not have research potential which could significantly contribute to our understanding or appreciation of the past. Stock control features of this nature are a well recorded and understood form of post medieval land use.
f. The monument does not make a significant contribution to today's landscape or our understanding of the historic landscape. The ditch is slight and the profile of the bank low and unobtrusive. The wall, noticeable on the crest of the hill, is more difficult to trace further along its line. Such features are expected in upland areas of rural Scotland and while providing some insight into historic land use do not significantly contribute to our understanding.
g. The monument has no known significant associations with historical, traditional, social or artistic figures, events or movements.